Before even arriving at her new job, Jeannie Trudel decided to approach it as a new part of her journey with God.
From Malaysia to Australia to America, Trudel knows what it is like to follow the Lord wherever he leads.
“In my life we’ve always sought to follow God, so whatever he determines is our assignment. And when you cooperate with God, it’s an adventure with the Holy Spirit,” Trudel said. “What’s exciting about Taylor is that I see a lot that’s happening. I see students being excited about Jesus, and that moves me because I love students and want what is best for them.”
Trudel joined Taylor University’s staff as the new executive director of both the Center for Digital & Extended Learning and the graduate programs in leadership.
As director of both of these areas, she will be tasked with overseeing the school programs for students who are online, adult, still in high school or looking to get a master’s or doctorate degree.
Trudel first learned about Taylor from students who attended Christian Heritage College in Australia, where she previously worked. These students had originally attended Taylor before going overseas for a time.
She brings with her a wealth of experience from being a college president in Australia to working at Greenville University in Illinois. Additionally, Trudel relies upon her former experience in law school and as a mediator to ask good questions and analyze ideas efficiently and effectively. She also worked as an organizational development consultant, which prepared her for conflict resolution and talking with people in general.
“Jeannie is a proven leader and understands how to lead innovation,” said Jewerl Maxwell, provost of Taylor University. “We chose Jeannie after conducting a national search that resulted in a very qualified applicant pool, including multiple college vice presidents and deans.”
Trudel’s role at Taylor is unique as it is over such a large group of operations and people. She serves as an innovative leader to help pioneer new programs and initiatives. However, she is open to whatever role or job God calls her to.
“It’s never been about position but more about ‘Okay, Lord what is your assignment and how can I be doing good and be impactful in your kingdom’ and that’s how I’m learning here,” she said.
There are many specifics the job will entail, such as making wise decisions with resources in the department or working across departments to accomplish various goals. This means navigating complex situations and potential disagreements between groups of people.
Trudel is excited about engaging with AI for educational purposes and training up leaders for tomorrow.
“The role of AI is just in its nascent state. How do you harness AI, rather than shun it or learn how not to rely on it for everything?” Trudel said. “I’m also excited to see the development of leaders for tomorrow. Anyone can sharpen their leadership skills, including me. I’m still developing and learning.”
As well as strategic programs and planning, there will also be partnerships and pathways for different styles of learning included in the job resume. More than anything, though, Trudel plans to prioritize ministry opportunities and relationships with students as the ultimatum.
Despite only being at Taylor for less than a month, she has already found opportunities to connect and pray with various students around the campus. She also plans on starting a pancake get together with students at her and her husband’s house on Saturday’s to connect, get to know and pray with students.
“Ministry for me looks like having conversations with students but very much in the prayer ministry area,” she said, “I already see opportunities for ministry to students and I’m excited about learning more and engaging further with spiritual formation.”
